Fireworks Spectacular!

Celebrating the 4th of July in New York City was drastically different than our experience the previous year on the 4th in Edinburgh.  It started off alarming as we heard a couple explosions that caused our windows to rattle.  Bobby went to explore what was happening and found out that frayed electrical wires got wet and caused a fire.  The pressure created under the streets because of the fire caused the manhole covers to blow which resulted in the explosions.  A couple people were hurt from the falling manhole covers but no one critically hurt, which is amazing.  They closed off the streets near us that were effected until the fire could be put out.

There was much debate as to the best place to watch the Macy's Firework Show over the East River as the route of setting off the fireworks slightly changed this year.  Since we could not get a good consensus as the best spot from locals and the web, we decided to set off toward the FDR Bridge for a good view of Brooklyn Bridge.  

The fireworks show eventually was amazing!  However, everything surrounding the fireworks was crazy.  We arrived over an hour early planning to grab dinner on our way to a spot and have a picnic while we waited for it to grow dark. However, the large crowds were being controlled by thousands of police and police barriers. We were quickly herded along the streets for blocks upon blocks and had no outlet to get any food.  Once we were in the maze of barriers, there was no getting out.  There was no food, no vendors, and nothing to eat.  I had a couple of crackers in the bottom of the stroller so the kids were able to eat a little bit.  

Once to the spot where we would see the fireworks the police did not allow anyone to sit down in order to squeeze the most amount of people in the area as possible.  So, with over an hour until the fireworks would begin, in 85 degree heat, with unfed children, we were forced to stand in the exact same spot to wait for the show to begin. We quickly understood the folly of our choice to view the fireworks on the FDR. Another family with small children ended up near us and we were able to talk and distract ourselves a little bit while waiting for the show to start.  

The kids loved the fireworks.  Amelie especially liked the ones that were smiley faces and American flags.  Liam laughed and oohed for the first 5 minutes non-stop gaining the laughter of those around us.  

After the show was over, we were all starving.  Once we made it a couple blocks away from the crowds, we started scouting out food options.  We came across a small pizzeria that wasn't overly crowded.  Amelie and Bobby placed our order and waited inside while Liam and I waited with the stroller outside.  We waited for 30+ minutes, watching other people walk away with pizzas while we waited.  Bobby finally figured out that the staff was pocketing money from people.  The staff would charge more to a costumer if they wanted to be moved to the front of the line.  Well, this made Bobby very upset.  He ended up having a loud discussion with the workers and using his starving small children to finally get us our long awaited pizza.  

Liam and I talked to a family with small dogs who were also waiting for a pizza.  They ended up inviting us to their house nearby to eat and have a couple of drinks with them.  As it was 11 o'clock at night and our kids were pooped, we declined their generous offer and made the long trek through the Metro back home.

It will be an experience we will not forget (and not need to repeat for a long time!).  

Living Life

Split has been a perfect place for us to wrap up our Europe travels.  The combination of not having a long list of activities to check off our "must do" list and being in one spot for more than a month, the pace of life has been excellent.  When it has not been raining the weather has been amazing.  I know scientifically sunshine does amazing things for your mood, but after this trip I feel it in my heart too.  The sunshine here penetrates my soul.  

In any direction you look, you see God's beautiful creation.  The Dinaric Alps, the Adriatic Sea, and Marjan forest surround the city.   I realize that Split is a really beautiful city, but I remember feeling this same awe of my surroundings at certain points in my life.  For instance, when living on the beach, or rock climbing in the mountains, or camping in remote areas.  I love being in and around nature.  Bobby and I have been talking about the places near home we are excited about taking Amelie and Liam.  Some of the places we have talked about going are Cumberland Island, Rock town (where we used to go rock climbing in college), Rock City, and more.  In moving around, I have seen that there is beauty in all cities.  I am determined to be appreciative of the beauty surrounding me wherever we live (busy city or otherwise!).  

Amelie and Liam keep us laughing.  Liam is talking more and more each day.  Lately, he has been telling us, "Be quiet!  Liam talking first!"  Although this might sound rude, it is almost essential in order to get any voice in our family as Amelie talks non-stop.  They are playing together more and more for longer amounts of time. They are sweet friends.

This past week we were able to get out of the apartment to do some fun things.  Touring through Diocletian's palace basement took up some time one afternoon after rest time.  We would have enjoyed it more had there not been a modern art exhibition up, but we endured the random sounds and videos and artifacts placed around the rooms.  After hearing the sounds echoing in the halls of someone throwing up coins over and over again, I realized that I really dislike some modern art.  

We did enjoy seeing the ancient architecture composing Diocletian's residential quarters.  The ancient floor plan showcases a mirror image of the emperor’s residence above as this substructure acted as supporting walls. Eventually the basement turned into a water storage facility, but through time the basement got clogged up completely. As additional houses were built above the basement, they drilled holes into their floors in order to use the basement is a sewage tank and garbage dump. Croatian architect and the country’s first conservator, Vicko Andrić who constructed the Riva harbor-front devoted his retirement to the conservation of Diocletian’s Palace and began an excavation of the cellars in the 1850’s. Andrić drained and cleaned the cellars and archeological discoveries are still being made to this day, particularly in the far corners of the basement.  Although we looked to discover something new, we did not unearth anything. ;)

Bobby, Amelie, and Liam examining the map.

Standing in one of the open courtyards.  They were all standing the same way, but Liam was backwards. ;)

Bobby explaining how the press was used.
It probably was used either for grapes or olives and dates back to the early Middle Ages.

We have been spending a lot of time on the Riva since the first of December.  A mini Christmas town has been erected along along the promenade hosting a variety of vendors.  Most are serving food (and it is delicious!), but there are also crafts and other various products being showcased.  One of me and Bobbys favorite aspect is trying the mulled wine at each hut.  Mulled wine was originally created as a way to make "bad" wine drinkable again.   Mulled wine is a traditional winter drink made of red wine and various combinations of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, sugar, orange zest, local liqueurs and served hot.  We have learned that each vendor is given similar red wine, but provide their own combination of spices.  In my mind, it's similar to a chili cook-off...whoever can produce the best recipe gets the repeated customers.  In the States we didn't see mulled wine often, but it has quickly become a favorite here.  It reminds me of hot cider, but better.  Bobby has been researching recipes to try when we get home. Another winter tradition is fritules (fried doughnuts balls essentially topped with powdered sugar and nutella).  We buy a big cup for around $3 and all enjoy a delicious treat.  Although it is not great for our waistline, we just can't resist! :)

Liam is kneeling against the wall talking to a nearby seagull.
"What are you doing?...Oh, you are swimming?"

Amelie and Liam love to run around and jump off the benches.

Excited about buying fritules.
Liam will stand in line and say, "Fritules, please?"  

The Riva as the sun is setting with the Christmas lights lit up.
You can see the various huts opposite of the palace walls.

I love the reflections on the water.

We have also enjoyed time at the apartment while Bobby and I finished up the Fall semester.  Amelie and Liam both love doing crafts.  We do not have a grand supply of materials, but we did find some fresh markers, finger paint, and play dough.  

Amelie is getting excited about fishing with Bobby again in Gulf Shores.

Hanging out at a local Bubble Tea bar on the company's year anniversary.  Their menu was 1/2 price and they had lots of balloons around with loud music.  We had fun drinking our bubble tea while the kids ate frozen yogurt and played with balloons.

Amelie wanted frozen yogurt over hot chocolate because she wanted to add sprinkles and marshmallows.

We have also gone to the playground.  Here is a picture of Bobby's pants after he tried to play on the monkey bars with the kids.  I heard the sound of the rip across the playground followed by Bobby saying, "Oh no.  NOOOOO!"  He had to walk a mile home with a huge flap opening.  I could not stop laughing!

Eating lunch on the Riva.

Cutting through the Venetian Square on our way home.

We are enjoying this family time.  Normally the Christmas season can be hectic for us, however this year it has not been.  It's nice.  We are excited about being back in the States for Christmas Day and being able to see all of our family.  I am hoping that our jet-lag does not dampen the fun of the festivities for us! ;)  One day at a time...

Gulf Shores Christmas

Gulf Shores has had quite a few family friendly Christmas activities so far this month.  We have had fun learning the ways of a Gulf-shorian in December.  As you can see below, I had a hard time narrowing down the number of pictures to include.

Boat Parade down the Canal

Large boats, small boats, pirate boats, shrimping boats...all types of boats covered with lights!  Some had Santa, Rudolf, Angels, Christmas trees. Some shot off cannons, had people yelling "Merry Christmas", or blared music. All were beautiful. 

While we sat on the bank of the canal eating our picnic dinner of PB & J's, we marveled at the sights and sounds. 

 Angel Christmas Breakfast at Gulf Shores United Methodist

The church associated with Amelie's preschool held an Angel Christmas breakfast.  Angels served tiny angel pancakes covered with powdered sugar and candy, little sausage links, and canned fruit (very health conscious). We sang some Christmas carols and listened to an angel story.  As you can see from Amelie's sugar crazed look, she had a blast! After the program, she (and her friend Claire seen in the white dress) ran laps around the fellowship hall.

Picture with the angels.

 Gulf Shores Christmas Parade

Amelie jumped up and down waving at everyone float that passed by once she realized there was candy involved.

Before and after the parade there were other activities set up for us to do.  Amelie's favorite was the Jump House and Slide.  We also decorated cookies, had a picture with Santa, saw stable animals including a 2000 lb camel, and more.

Liam had a great view (and vantage point over dad)!  The parade was at the same time as the UGA vs AL SEC Championship game.  Bobby was wearing his GEORGIA t-shirt and received lots of comments throughout the evening.  There was a tent set up for us to be able to watch the game.  Other than being totally out numbered, this reminded me of one of our experiences watching the GA/FL game outside the stadium in 2002. It was a test of our character to be around so many AL fans after the tough game. ;)

Santa came in on the fire truck seen in the background.  The other characters came up and Amelie just ran close to get a good look.  Santa held out his arms and Amelie jumped into them!  Fun picture!  Later she was able to sit on Santa's lap.  She loved the experience of being near Santa, Liam on the other hand did not.

Gulf Shores City Open House (City Hall, Museum, Library, etc)

The City of Gulf Shores has an open house in which you can walk around town enjoying Christmas treats and doing fun activities like writing letters to Santa and making ornaments.  Liam does not like characters in costumes! Santa came on a blaring fire truck which was the high light of the evening.

Fun in the Sun at the Beach....in DECEMBER!!!!

The weather for the last weekish has been in the 70s and sunny!  We have reverted back to spending our mornings, afternoons to sunset at the beach.  We are trying to soak in as many rays as possible!

Love the sunsets!

Liam is walking (and running) so good in the sand.  We have had more beach added so there have been bulldozers around.  He loves finding tire tracks and walking in them. I love this shirt too! 

Favorite things: building mounds to stomp in and digging holes to climb in and out of.

It's been so warm that we put on bathing suits and played in the water.  Liam follows after his big sister, running in and out of the ocean unafraid of the waves.

This is SO much fun!

Bobby made a contraption to slurp up ghost shrimp.  Ghost shrimp are the perfect bait because all fish love them AND it's free!

Sunset on the pier.

Bobby has caught a lot of really good fish recently.  Pictured here are his first red fish.

 Can you tell that we are loving beach life?  However, we are counting down the days until we head back to Georgia to visit family and friends.  Amelie has started talking about not wanting to leave Gulf Shores.  We are trying to encourage her that more adventure and fun things await us in the next city, but we understand that the unknown can be daunting.  We also know that these past few months have been our own little paradise.  Gulf Shores has definitely grown on us...or maybe it is more about the beach and less about the city....either way we are determined not to be away from the beach for too long!
We are learning that we can make fun family memories and traditions that will just look a little different from city to city.  What fun things have you been doing this month?  Any traditions that you would like to share?  We'd love to hear!! ;)

~Kelly